20th December 2022
At the CITES CoP19 in November 2022, Khaya (aka African mahogany) and Pterocarpus (aka Padauk) were added to Appendix II with Annotation #17. This is the same level of protection, with a slightly different Annotation, that currently applies to Permambuco, Indian Rosewood, and other species used in musical instruments and accessories. The AMA looked at the Khaya proposal as part of our consultation with members and the Australian Government earlier this year.
The listing takes effect on or about 25th February, 2023.
Khaya spp (African Mahogany) is used in guitars, particularly for necks. Some guitar manufacturers use genuine mahogany, which is already CITES listed.
We understand that a small amount of khaya is used in manufacturing within Australia, and it is found in many imported instruments. We also understand that parts such as (khaya) necks typically use a ‘musical instrument accessories’ HS code rather than a wood HS code, and do not fall under the permit requirement of this listing, which is limited to “logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood” (per HS Code 4409).
Summary
- Finished instruments (imported, exported, sold etc) containing Khaya are not affected
- Parts made from Khaya, imported to Australia (eg. to make guitars) are probably not affected. Check this if you are importing parts.
- Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood require a CITES permit, at the point of export from the country of origin. These are affected by the listing but typically the wood is imported to Australia and therefore the paperwork is done in the other country.
